Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONFIGURABLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM USING STACKED ANTENNAS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to United States non-provisional
patent
application number 16/394,409 filed April 25, 2019, titled, "Configurable
Communication
System Using Stacked Antennas," the disclosure of which is fully incorporated
herein by
reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing
an
improved wireless communications system with a plurality of antenna elements.
More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a configurable wireless
communications
module using a stacked antenna array.
[0003] The present disclosure further relates to a modular circuit board
for use in a
telecommunications network, and particularly for use with a configurable
communications
module.
[0004] Wireless networking is becoming increasingly common, offering users
the
ability to move around from one site to another within a coverage area without
having to
operate from a wired port in a fixed location. A wireless access point (WAP),
also known
simply as "access point" (AP), is a networking hardware device on a wireless
local area
network (WLAN) that allows wireless-capable devices to connect to a wired
network
through a wireless standard, such as Wi-Fi.
[0005] Wi-Fi is a wireless communication scheme conforming to the 802.11
standards of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
(IEEE). In the Wi-
Fi scheme, two frequency bands are presently authorized by the Federal
Communications Commission for wireless communication, namely the 2.4 GHz and
5.0
GHz wireless radio bands. Each of these wireless radio bands offers different
capability.
For example, the longer waves used by the 2.4 GHz band are better suited to
longer
ranges and improved transmission through walls, buildings, and other objects;
however,
the 2.4 GHz band is more congested and slower in speed. The shorter waves used
by
the 5 GHz band results in reduced range and diminished ability to penetrate
walls and
objects, but the 5 GHz band is less congested and transmits at higher speeds.
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[0006] The 802.11 standard also provides for several distinct radio
frequencies
within each frequency band. Each distinct radio frequency¨or channel¨within a
frequency band overlaps with adjacent channels on the same frequency band.
Traditionally, a WAP is configured with one or more omnidirectional antennas,
and the
antennas transceivers on a channel within a frequency band. Devices on a
channel must
share the available bandwidth with all other devices on a channel. Allocation
of finite
bandwidth on a channel among numerous devices operating in the same geographic
area
is typically achieved with a multiplexing scheme such as orthogonal frequency
division
multiplexing ("OFDM").
[0007] Wireless access points and other such devices in a
telecommunications
network are further configured to electrically communicate with electronic
circuit boards.
In a conventional wireless access point, for example, the omnidirectional
antennas of the
wireless access point may be configured to electrically communicate with a
single
electronic circuit board. As a result, an update to any one of the antennas
may necessitate
replacement of the entire electronic circuit board. Similarly, the subsequent
addition of
one or more antennas to the conventional wireless access point may require the
addition
of one or more entirely-new electronic circuit boards.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following technical disclosure is exemplary and explanatory only
and is
not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed.
[0009] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for
customizing and
configuring a communications module using a stacked antenna array.
[0010] In some implementations, a configurable wireless access point may
comprise
a first antenna layer having one or more antenna operating at a first wireless
radio band;
a second antenna layer having one or more antenna operating at a second
wireless radio
band; and a support structure for supporting the first antenna layer and the
second
antenna layer in a stacked configuration. The first and/or second antenna
layers may be
divided into sectors, wherein if the first antenna layer is divided into
sectors, the one or
more antenna operating at the first wireless radio band comprises one or more
directional
antenna, each assigned to a different sector; and wherein if the second
antenna layer is
divided into sectors, the one or more antenna operating at the second wireless
radio band
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comprises one or more directional antenna, each assigned to a different
sector. The
directional antenna assigned to each different sector operates on a designated
channel,
with directional antennas assigned to adjacent sectors operating on different
designated
channels to avoid signal interference.
[0011] In other implementations, a method of configuring a wireless access
point
may comprise mounting a first set of antennas operating at a first wireless
radio band in
a first layer around a support structure; and mounting a second set of
antennas operating
at a second wireless radio band in a second layer around the support
structure, wherein
the first layer and the second layer form a stacked configuration. The method
may further
comprise dividing at least one of said first layer and second layer into
sectors; wherein if
said first layer is divided into sectors, each antenna of said first set of
antennas is
assigned to a different sector; and wherein if said second layer is divided
into sectors,
each antenna of said second set of antennas is assigned to a different sector.
[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a configurable
communications module comprising a plurality of antenna elements organized
into a
plurality of layers, each antenna element independently accessible and
interchangeable
within the communications module; a central support structure providing
mechanical
support for the plurality of layers; and a central controller module in
electrical
communication with the plurality of antenna elements; wherein the antenna
elements
within a layer of the plurality of layers operate within one assigned
frequency band, each
layer of the plurality of layers includes a shielding element to reduce
interference with
other layers of the plurality of layers, and each respective antenna element
is respectively
accessible for maintenance and replacement. The communications module may
include
a housing, wherein at least a portion of the exterior of the housing comprises
environmentally protected and electrically transmissive material, for example,
a material
that is selected and designed to provide minimal signal attenuation of RF
signals passing
through the housing. The communications module may have any desired number of
sections and enclosures, and in one embodiment includes an electronics section
and an
environmental component interface section. One or more partitions may be
interposed
between sections in the housing, such as between the electronics section and
the
environmental component interface section, and the partition may be configured
to
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provide RF shielding between the sections (such as the electronics section and
the
environmental component interface section). In various embodiments, the
partition
includes electrical headers to allow electrical interconnect between modules
disposed
within the electronics section and components disposed within the
environmental
interface section.
[0013]
In alternate embodiments, a housing of the present disclosure is removable
to access and maintain at least one of the plurality of antenna elements and
the central
controller module. Antenna elements may be placed in electrical communication
with the
central controller through a plurality of cables passing within the central
support structure,
or alternatively, may be connected through direct or indirect wiring.
[0014]
Antenna elements of the present disclosure may be configured to operate in
any desired frequency band or plurality of frequency bands; in one embodiment,
the
antenna elements in at least one of the layers operate within a 2.4GHz
wireless radio
band, or within a 5 GHz wireless radio band, or within a cellular telephony
band such as
an AMPS-related band, a 3G band a 4G-band, an LTE-band, a GSM-band or a 5G
cellular
telephony band.
[0015]
In various embodiments, antenna elements may be arranged in layers, and
further, respective layers may be configured to be installed on or removed
from the central
support structure as a layer unit. Further, in some embodiments, each
respective layer
may be independently removed from or installed within the communications
module
without removing other layers within the communications module.
In some
embodiments, within a layer, antenna elements may comprise a plurality of
directional
antenna elements oriented in respectively different directions, and in
alternate
implementations, may include a mix of directional and omnidirectional antenna
elements.
To assist in removability, in one aspect, respective antenna layers may
comprise a C-
Shaped layout with a hinged closure.
[0016]
In one aspect, a central controller module comprises a plurality of radio
modules respectively electrically connected to the plurality of antenna
elements, and may
further be interchanged without replacing the central controller module.
The
communications module also may include an interface from the antenna elements
to an
external communications network, and a connection to the external
communication
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network may be implemented via any desired protocols and connections such as
one or
more of a fiber-based connection, a wired connection, and optical connection a
cellular
backhaul connection or a microwave link. The communications module of the
present
invention may comprise a variety of communication devices, including one or
more of a
Bluetooth transceiver and an RFID transceiver. Further, the communications
module may
further comprise one or more of: a fixed camera, a remotely controllable
camera, one or
more laser transmitters; one or more laser receivers; one or more laser
transceivers; an
infrared module; a smoke detector; a carbon dioxide detector; a carbon
monoxide
detector; an ozone detector; a particulate detector; a microphone; a speaker;
an optical
communications module; a seismic sensor; a pollution sensing module; a gunshot
detector; a lighting apparatus; a weather sensor; an avalanche detector; a
tornado
warning detector, a wind speed and direction sensor; a traffic sensor; a
wireless charging
transmitter/receiver/transceiver; a cellular repeater; a point-of-sale (POS)
terminal; and a
battery; further, any of these components may be installed anywhere on or
within the
communications module, such as within an accessory module mounted to a housing
or a
support structure of the communications module.
[0017] Antenna elements utilized in aspects of the present disclosure may
comprise
any desired types of elements such as an omnidirectional antenna element, and
antenna
elements may comprise a plurality of band transmission cores providing
operation within
a plurality of operating frequencies. In various embodiments, to ease re-
configuration
and/or maintenance of the communication module, each antenna element may be
interchanged through a socketed connection to the central support structure.
Further, in
various embodiments, a plurality of antenna elements within a layer operate
within a
plurality of assigned frequency bands.
[0018] Antennas may be placed within certain aspects of the invention in
any desired
location; for example, where the central controller module is disposed at a
first end of the
support structure, an omnidirectional antenna element is disposed at an
opposite end of
the support structure. A 5G cellular antenna element may be placed in any
desired
location, such as at the bottom of the support structure, the sides of the
housing, on a
surface of at top member or bottom member of the housing, or any desired
location.
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[0019] In yet another embodiment, a central support structure may be
extended by
one of: telescoping an internal extension element and mechanically mating an
extension
thereto.
[0020] In a further embodiment, a communications module of the present
invention
is configured to operate within one of: an urban environment; a rural
environment; a
building; an airport; a farm; a factory; and a recreation area; and in some
embodiments,
may further include a solar panel interface that may further be in electrical
communication
with a battery.
[0021] In yet another embodiment, a communications module of the present
invention may be configured to monitor any number of factors such as one or
more of a
soil composition; crop health; animal location; animal health; watering and/or
irrigation
moisture; oil well pressure; oil well flow; stadium human movement and
traffic; human
facial recognition; pollution emissions; vehicular traffic flow; a weather
condition in
proximity to the communications module; a safety-related condition; a crime
event; a fire
event; and combinations thereof. The communications module provide additional
processing capabilities that are useful in a number of venues such as
stadiums,
performance arenas, and the like; for example, in various embodiments, the
communications module is further configured to process one of: point-of-sale
(POS)
transactions; orders for a product or service to be delivered to a person's
assigned seat;
instructions to guide a person to a designated location; a person's ticket
idicia to grant
access to a venue; data obtained from a scan of a QR code displayed by a
person in
proximity to the communications module; interactive advertising to a person in
proximity
to an interactive signage; reservation requests for use of a facility; data
for use in
augmented reality presented on a mobile device; and combinations thereof.
[0022] In one additional aspect, at least a portion of an exterior of the
communications module may comprise a radome, and the radome may be configured
to
include an electrically thin dielectric layer, a half-wave thick layer, a foam-
core laminate
layer, a C-sandwich laminate layer, or a combination thereof. Established
specific design
considerations for selection of radome composition, structure, and geometries
may be
utilized by those of skill in the relevant arts, and examples are provided,
for instance, in
the article, "A Fundamental and Technical Review of Radomes" by Lance
Griffiths, Ph.D.,
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MPDigests.com, May 2008, available
at
http://www.onram pcom m .cominew/AdFiles/MFG%20Galileo_May08`)/020MP D. pdf,
the
disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein for all purposes.
[0023]
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying
drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of
the
implementations will be apparent from the description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024]
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by
referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection
with the
following illustrative figures.
[0025]
For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,
reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with
the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026]
Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of a wireless access point having a stacked
antenna configuration, according to the present disclosure;
[0027]
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the wireless access point having a
stacked antenna configuration of Figure 1, according to the present
disclosure;
[0028]
Figure 3A illustrates a plan view of a single sectored antenna that may be
used in a stacked antenna array, according to the present disclosure;
[0029]
Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of the single sectored antenna of
Figure 3A, according to the present disclosure;
[0030]
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a modular circuit board that may be
used in a wireless access point having a stacked antenna array, according to
the present
disclosure;
[0031]
Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of representative modules of the modular
circuit board of Figure 4, according to the present disclosure;
[0032]
Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of an implementation of a radio module
of the representative modules of the modular circuit board of Figure 5,
according to the
present disclosure;
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[0033] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded plan view of a housing for
enclosing a stacked
antenna array, according to the present disclosure;
[0034] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled housing for
enclosing
a stacked antenna array, according to the present disclosure;
[0035] Figure 9A illustrates a plan view of a cable mount, according to the
present
disclosure;
[0036] Figure 9B illustrates a perspective view of the cable mount of
Figure 9A,
according to the present disclosure; and
[0037] Figure 10 illustrates an assembled housing coupled to a support
column,
according to the present disclosure.
[0038] Figure 11 illustrates a side perspective view of an assembled
housing of the
present disclosure.
[0039] Figure 12 illustrates a cutaway view of a communications module of
the
present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a communications
module of
the present disclosure, with the top member in semi-transparent rendering.
[0041] Figure 14 illustrates a top perspective view of a communications
module of
the present disclosure, with the top housing member removed.
[0042] Figure 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of
the
communications module of the present disclosure with the bottom housing member
removed.
[0043] Figure 16 illustrates a side exploded view of an embodiment of the
communications module of the present disclosure.
[0044] Figure 17 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the
communications
module of the present disclosure, showing an attached accessory module.
[0045] Figure 18 illustrates a side exploded view of the communications
module that
illustrated in Figure 17.
[0046] Figure 19 illustrates a side exploded view of a communications
module of the
present disclosure.
[0047] Figure 20 illustrates a side view of an exemplary antenna layer of
the present
disclosure.
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[0048] Figure 21 illustrates top profile view of an antenna layer of the
present
disclosure depicted in proximity to a central support structure.
[0049] Figures 22A-22D illustrate a removable antenna layer embodiment of
the
present disclosure with a hinged section.
[0050] Figures 23A-23D illustrate an alternate removable antenna layer
embodiment
of the present disclosure with a removable section.
[0051] Figures 24A-24C illustrate a separable and removable antenna layer
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] Although wireless access points and small cell systems are have been
used
for some time, the modular and scalable design of the present invention allows
communications nodes to be easily augmented, modified, and serviced.
More
particularly, embodiments of the present invention empower government entities
and
enterprise organizations to customize a communications module to address
particular
challenges in the wireless communications space, to modify the modules as
requirements
change, and to maintain and improve the modules as needed. Through provision
of plug-
and-play functionality in the software and hardware sides of the platform,
customization
can be performed months, weeks, or days after purchase. Prior art systems, on
the other
hand, are usually a one-size-fits-all solution that are difficult, if not
impossible, to retrofit
after purchase. For one particular example, if a stadium decides that
intrusion prevention
needs to be enhanced, using embodiments of the present inventions they can add
a
module to provide the desired functionality, or even swap out modules of
lesser
importance.
[0054] Applications of aspects of the present invention are numerous. Smart
Farming applications can utilize communications nodes of the present invention
to
monitor and control growing conditions to achieve the highest crop efficiency;
animal
tracking can be utilized to determine health, location, and identification of
animals grazing
in open pastures or their location in an extensive stable facility; monitoring
and control of
systems for offspring care to help control or monitor growing conditions of
the offspring,
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among others. Embodiments of the present invention may be equipped with
modules
specific to the application, such as a plurality of water quality modules and
pollution
detection modules, and may forego unneeded elements such as a WiFi or LTE
module.
Should wireless connectivity be required, such elements may be added to the
communications module at any desired time.
[0055] Conventional wireless access points typically utilize one or more
omnidirectional antennas which offer a 360-degree radiation pattern and
operate at a
singular radio band. Depending upon the implementation, such systems may
include
limitations on range of coverage, lack of system flexibility, and difficulties
in managing
system upgrades. Additionally, under conventional systems, migration to new
wireless
technologies may require a complete replacement of existing wireless access
points.
[0056] Because Wi-Fi devices operate within a finite spectrum of available
bandwidth, the overall performance of a wireless network will decrease as the
number of
devices and wireless access points within a geographic area increases. As
consumers
increasingly rely on mobile communications devices, the number of wireless
access
points in cities and other populated geographic areas will continue to
increase.
Accordingly, channel congestion will increase, thereby decreasing
communications
performance for all devices in an area. However, wireless communications
performance
may be improved when transceivers within a geographic area operate on non-
overlapping
channels. Performance may be further improved when transceivers operate on
different
channels from other transceivers within the same geographic area. As consumers
increase mobility and demand greater flexibility, the configurable wireless
access point
described in the present disclosure offers varied options for Wi-Fi
connectivity and allows
for continued improvement in wireless technology.
[0057] Moreover, the one or more omnidirectional antennas utilized by a
conventional wireless access point is typically configured to electrically
communicate with
a single electronic circuit board. Thus, an update to or replacement of one or
more
antennas may require replacement of the entire electronic circuit board.
Likewise, the
later addition of one or more antennas to the wireless access point may
require the
addition of new, corresponding electronic circuit boards. These configurations
not only
impose physical burdens on the system (i.e., physical space, additional bus
structures,
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wiring, etc.), but also reduce the ease and flexibility desired in a field
that is constantly
advancing. The modular circuit board described in the present disclosure
allows for the
configuration of a plurality of independent circuit modules, each of which is
independently
configurable and interchangeable, thereby minimizing impact to the system as a
whole.
[0058] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a configurable
wireless
access point having a stacked antenna array and a modular circuit board for
use with the
configurable wireless access point. In an implementation, the stacked antenna
array may
comprise one or more stacked layers of antennas, each layer of antennas
directed to a
different wireless radio band, and each antenna within each layer of antennas
being
sectored and directional. As described in detail below, such arrangement
increases range
of wireless coverage, improves system flexibility, and allows for ease in
system
maintenance and upgrade.
[0059] Reference is made to Figures 1 and 2, which depict in plan view and
perspective view, respectively, a wireless access point 100 having a stacked
antenna
configuration according to the present disclosure. Wireless access point 100
may
comprise a first antenna layer 110 having one or more antenna 112, 114, 116
operating
at a first wireless radio band. The first wireless radio band may comprise,
e.g., a 2.4 GHz
wireless radio band, a 5 GHz wireless radio band, or other wireless frequency
known,
used, developed, or to be standardized in the art. The one or more antenna
112, 114,
116 of the first antenna layer 110 may be supported by support structure 130.
In an
implementation, support structure 130 may comprise a metal support, such as a
square
pole, round pole, or other similar structure to which the one or more antenna
112, 114,
116 may be affixed. Preferred embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 7, 12, 15,
16, and 18
include two layers having 4 antenna elements each respectively disposed in
four 90¨
degree quadrants, and in one embodiment, a lower layer operates within a 5 GHz
band
and an upper layer of antenna elements operates in a 2.4 GHz band. In various
embodiments, a radio module (Figures 5 and 6, 230) may be connected to and
operate
one or two antenna elements. Although four antenna elements have been
illustrated per
layer, those of skill in the relevant arts understand that fewer or more
directional antenna
elements may be utilized per layer, such as 1 element, 2 elements, 6 elements,
8
elements, or any other desired number.
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[0060] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, wireless access point
100 may
further comprise a second antenna layer 120 having one or more antenna 122,
124, 126
operating at a second wireless radio band. The second wireless radio band may
comprise
a wireless frequency different from the first wireless radio band. For
example, if the first
wireless radio band is designated to a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency, then the
second
wireless radio band may be designated to a 5 GHz wireless frequency or any
other
wireless frequency known, used, developed, or to be standardized in the art.
The one or
more antenna 122, 124, 126 of the second antenna layer 120 may also be
supported by
support structure 130.
[0061] Importantly, the first antenna layer 110 operating at a first
wireless radio band
and the second antenna layer 120 operating at a second wireless radio band may
be
arranged in a stacked configuration, i.e., with a first antenna layer 110
stacked atop a
second antenna layer 120 and supported by support structure 130, as depicted
in Figures
1 and 2. One benefit of this configuration is the ease with which the wireless
access point
100 may be modified, customized, or upgraded without removing and/or
rebuilding the
entire configuration. For example, as technology continues to improve,
potential changes
in the Wi-Fi standard (e.g., to a standard other than the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz
wireless
frequencies) would not necessitate the removal or rebuilding of the entire
wireless access
point. Instead, outdated antennas and/or antenna layers may be rep laced as
needed.
[0062] While Figures 1 and 2 depict three antennas 112, 114, 116 at the
first antenna
layer 110 and three antennas 122, 124, 126 at the second antenna layer 120,
the present
disclosure is not limited to any particular number of antennas or any
particular number of
antenna layers. As described in detail below, additional antennas may be
incorporated at
each antenna layer to increase the capacity and directional distance of the
wireless
access point 100.
[0063] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, in an implementation,
the first
antenna layer 110 may be sectored to divide up the first antenna layer 110
circumferentially (at least 360 ) around the wireless access point 100, i.e.,
with each of
the one or more antenna 112, 114, 116 assigned to a different sector 113, 115,
117.
Likewise, the second antenna layer 120 may also be sectored, with each of the
one or
more antenna 122, 124, 126 assigned to a different sector 123, 125, and 127.
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Sectorization of antennas at an antenna layer widens the coverage area of the
network
and therefore increases the number of clients that may be served by the
wireless access
point 100.
[0064] In an implementation, if the first antenna layer 110 is sectored,
the one or
more antenna 112, 114, 116 in the first antenna layer 110 may comprise one or
more
directional antenna, each directional antenna assigned to a different sector
in the first
antenna layer 110. Similarly, if the second antenna layer 120 is sectored, the
one or more
antenna 122, 124, 126 in the second antenna layer 120 may comprise one or more
directional antenna, each directional antenna assigned to a different sector
in the second
antenna layer 120. Each of the one or more directional, sectored antenna in
the first
and/or second antenna layer may operate at a designated channel, with adjacent
sectors
in a given antenna layer operating at different designated channels to reduce
signal
interference. Channels may be designated and assigned based on interference
patterns.
For example, channels 1, 6, and 11 may be non-overlapping channels deemed as
having
minimal interference. Thus, adjacent sectors in a given antenna layer may
operate at a
different one of channels 1, 6, or 11. By employing sectored, directional
antennas, the
wireless access point 100 not only increases its capacity, but also increases
its directional
distance/range.
[0065] The one or more sectored, directional antenna may operate in any
number of
configurations, including, e.g., 120 , 60 , or 30 configurations. In an
implementation, a
120 configuration may comprise four sectored, directional antennas arranged
circumferentially (to cover at least 360 around the wireless access point
100) and
equidistantly around the support structure 130 in the first and/or second
antenna layers.
This configuration ensures overlap in coverage between adjacent sectors,
thereby
avoiding gaps in the network. As a result, the Wi-Fi signal of a device of a
user traveling
between ranges of adjacent sectors may be handed off to the next antenna and
thereby
minimize signal drop-off.
[0066] In another implementation, a 60 configuration may comprise eight
sectored,
directional antennas arranged around the support structure in the first and/or
second
antenna layers. In yet another implementation, a 30 configuration may
comprise sixteen
sectored, directional antennas arranged around the support structure in the
first and/or
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second antenna layers. Although 1200, 600, and 300 configurations are
described, the
present disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration or to the
use of any
particular number of sectored, directional antennas. Moreover, various
configurations
may be applied to various antenna layers.
[0067] Reference is now made to Figures 3A and 3B, which depict detailed
plan and
perspective views, respectively, of a sectored antenna according to the
present
disclosure. While the antenna shown in Figures 3A and 3B is designated antenna
112, it
may be any one of the antenna 112, 114, 116, 122, 124, 126 shown in Figures 1
and 2.
Likewise while the sector shown in Figures 3A and 3B is designated sector 113
(corresponding to associated antenna 112), it may be any one of the sectors
113, 115,
117, 123, 125, 127 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Importantly, only one antenna may
be
assigned to each sector. Sector 113 may physically be coupled to support
structure 130
via sector mount 150. Sector mount 150 may be removably attached to support
structure
130 via screws, bolts, or any other connection means known in the art.
[0068] With further reference to the wireless access point 100 of Figures 1
and 2, a
ground plate 140 may be layered atop the first antenna layer 110 and coupled
to support
structure 130. Ground plate 140 may serve as a grounding structure and may
allow for
the placement of one or more electronic circuit boards 160 thereupon. As shown
in Figure
2, ground plate 140 may be configured with slots 142 through which connection
wires/cables from one or more electronic circuit boards 160 may be guided for
connection
to the one or more antennas 112, 114, 116, 122, 124, 126 of the wireless
access point
100. Each of the one or more electronic circuit boards 160 may be configured
to
electrically communicate with the one or more antennas 112, 114, 116, 122,
124, 126 of
the first and/or second antenna layers 110, 120, and may include, e.g., a
processor, a
memory, storage, and other electronic components known in the art.
[0069] With reference now to Figure 4, according to an implementation, the
electronic circuit board for use with the wireless access point 100 may
comprise a modular
circuit board 200. Modular circuit board 200 may be mounted on ground plate
140 and
may comprise a plurality of modules 220 (collectively numbered 220 in Figure
4), each
module operable as an independent and separate circuit board. In an
implementation,
each of the one or more modules of the plurality of modules 220 may be
assigned to
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electrically communicate with a separate one of the one or more antennas 112,
114, 116,
122, 124, 126 of the first and second antenna layers 110, 120. In yet another
implementation, certain modules of the plurality of modules 220 may be
directed to other
functionalities that advance the operation of the wireless access point 100.
The modular
circuit board 200 may further comprise an intermediary board (or central
controller) 210
operable to facilitate communication between the plurality of modules 220 and
with a
network 205. Modular circuit board 200 may also comprise one or more
connection points
for connection to ethernet, fiber, power, and other such cable connections.
Modules 220
may be interconnected to the intermediary board 210 through any desired bus
protocol
such as, but not limited to, ISA - Industry Standard Architecture, EISA -
Extended Industry
Standard Architecture, MCA - Micro Channel Architecture, VESA - Video
Electronics
Standards Association, PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect - PCI, PCI
Express
(PC1e, PCI-e or PCI-X), PCMCIA - Personal Computer Memory Card Industry
Association
(also called "PC" bus), AGP -Accelerated Graphics Port, SCSI - Small Computer
Systems
Interface, Versa Module European ¨ VME, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Lightning bus
protocol,
and in a preferred embodiment, comprises a PCI-e bus connection protocol.
[0070] Reference is now made to Figure 5, which depicts block diagrams of
components comprising the intermediary board 210 and exemplary modules of the
plurality of modules 220 of the modular circuit board 200 of Figure 4. The
plurality of
modules 220 may comprise, for example, one or more radio module 230, small
cell
module 240, security module 250, data analytics module 260, point-to-
point/multipoint
module 270, and VPN module 280. However, one of skill in the relevant arts can
appreciate how the modular architecture may accommodate additional functions
or
features beyond those listed, and in more or less number than those
illustrated.
[0071] Intermediary board (or central controller) 210 may facilitate the
processing of
information and distribution of work load across the plurality of modules 220,
and may
comprise a central processing unit 212 for processing information obtained
from the
plurality of modules 220, storage 214 for storing long-term data, memory 216
for storing
short-term data, and a plurality of input/output nodes 218 for connection to
the plurality of
modules 220.
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[0072] Next, the plurality of modules 220 may comprise, for example, one or
more
radio modules 230, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The one or more radio modules
230
may be configured to provide Wi-Fi radio connectivity for the wireless access
point 100.
In an implementation, each radio module of the one or more radio modules 230
may be
electrically coupled to a separate one of the one or more antenna 112, 114,
116 of the
first antenna layer 110 and/or a separate one of the one or more antenna 122,
124, 126
of the second antenna layer 120 of the wireless access point 100. In another
implementation, and as shown in Figure 6, a single radio module 230 may be
electrically
coupled to two or more antennas in one or more antenna layers. Based on a
given number
of users and the capacity of the wireless access point, any configuration of
radio module
230 to antenna(s) may be accommodated according to the present disclosure.
Radio
module 230 may offer Wi-Fi 1-6 (formerly, A/B/G/N/AC/AX) coverage and may
support a
combination of wireless radio bands, including 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands,
WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption, and mesh capabilities. Radio module 230 may
comprise,
for example, a central processing unit 232, memory 234, storage 236, radio
238, and
input/output node 239.
[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the plurality of modules 220 may further
comprise small
cell module 240. Small cell module 240 may provide cellular wide area network
(WAN)
connectivity to the wireless access point 100 and support cellular carrier
offloading. The
small cell module 240 may provide 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity to the access
point,
without the need for additional infrastructure. Small cell module 240 may
comprise, for
example, a central processing unit 242, memory 244, storage 246, cellular
radio 248, and
input/output node 249.
[0074] Security module 250 may add comprehensive security features such as
intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion protection systems (IPS). IDS
and IPS
may parse and interpret network data and host activities. Such data may range
from
network packet analysis to the contents of log files from routers, firewalls,
servers, local
system logs, access calls, and network flow data. Security module 250 may
comprise, for
example, a central processing unit 252, memory 254, storage 256, and
input/output nodes
258. Two input/output nodes 258 may be used, operating as a passthrough so
that one
input/output node allows data traffic in and one input/output node allows data
traffic out.
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This may allow for a more comprehensive analysis of data traffic and
identification of
vulnerabilities in the system. In other implementations, a single input/output
node may
also be employed.
[0075] Data analytics module 260 may collect data gathered by the wireless
access
point 100 and send the data to the management platform. The management
platform (not
shown) may be a server that is utilized for aggregation, processing, and
detailed analysis
of data gathered by the wireless access point 100. The management platform may
reside
on a cloud may comprise a physical server stored in a data center. The data
analytics
module 260 may be used to improve network performance and offer users improved
connectivity. Data analytics module 260 may comprise, for example, central
processing
units 262, memory 264, storage 266, and input/output node 268. At least two
central
processing units 262 are preferred, allowing for faster processing of gathered
data.
[0076] Point-to-Point/Multipoint module 270 may offer point-to-point, point-
to-
multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint connectivity for long distances
outside the range
of mesh capabilities. The operating frequencies may encompass the 900 MHz, 2.4
GHz,
3.65 GHz, and 5 GHz ranges or additional radio frequencies as they are
approved for
utilization. Point-to-Point/Multipoint module 270 may comprise, for example, a
central
processing unit 272, memory 274, storage 276, radio 278, and input/output node
279.
[0077] VPN Module 280 may provide secure, encrypted connectivity on a per-
client
basis and may allow the wireless access point 100 to support a large volume of
encrypted
connections. This type of connectivity may be preferred in environments with
specific
compliance requirements. VPN Module 280 may comprise, for example, a central
processing unit 282, memory 284, storage 286, and input/output node 288.
[0078] Although the modular circuit board 200 is described above in
conjunction with
specific modules (each having specific functionality), it is to be understood
that the
modular circuit board of the present disclosure may comprise any number of
modules
having any functionality desired and/or relevant in the art. The number and
types of
modules on the modular circuit board may be limited only by physical
constraints such as
limitations on power and bus structures. Additionally, while modular circuit
board 200 and
modules 220-280 are described above in conjunction with wireless access point
100, it is
to be understood that the modular circuit board of the present disclosure may
be
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configured to operate in various applications, for various purposes, and in
various
systems, particularly in cellular applications and other such
telecommunications systems.
[0079] Reference is now made to Figure 7, which depicts an exploded view of
housing 300 for enclosing a wireless access point 100 according to the present
disclosure. Housing 300 may comprise a bottom member 310, which may generally
have
a bowl-like shape, a top member 320 configured to be coupled to the bottom
member
310, and a lid 350 for closing the top of housing 300. Top member 320 may
comprise an
external threaded ridge 330 configured to matably couple with a corresponding
internal
threaded portion (not shown) in bottom member 310. Once wireless access point
100 is
positioned and secured within housing 300, top member 320 may be secured to
bottom
member 310. The top member 320 may couple to bottom member 310 such that
housing
300 may close in a manner similar to the closing of a lid to a jar. Top member
320 may
further comprise an external threaded neck 340 for matably engaging internal
threading
(not shown) of lid 350. The top surface of lid 350 may further be coupled to
conduit 360,
a hollow pipe-like connector for connecting to support column 510 (shown in
Figure 10).
[0080] Reference is now made to Figure 8, which depicts a perspective view
of
partially assembled housing 300, and to Figures 9A and 9B, which depict plan
and
perspective views, respectively, of a cable mount system 400. As shown in
Figure 8, the
inside portion of the neck 340 of the top member 320 of housing 300 may
comprise one
or more cable holes 342, 344, 346, 348. Each cable hole 342, 344, 346, 348 may
be
configured to receive one cable mount system 400 (shown in Figures 9A and 9B).
A cable
mount system 400 may comprise a cable 410, a mount 420, a cable covering 430,
and a
coupler 440. Cable 410 may comprise ethernet, fiber, power, or other such
cable that may
be connected to the electronic circuit board 160 of the wireless access point
I 00. A cable
410 may mount to a cable hole 342, 344, 346, or 348 on housing 300 via cable
mount
420, which may be threaded into a cable hole 342, 344, 346, 348. Coupler 440
of the
cable mount system may be inserted through a cable hole 342, 344, 346, 348 and
into
housing 300, where it may be connected to components of the electronic circuit
board
160 (of Figure 1). Cable covering 430 may be disposed over mount 420 and may
serve
as an impermeable seal to ensure protection of the interior of the housing
(including the
wireless access point 100) from liquid, particles, or other matter. As shown
in Figure 8,
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four cables may be mounted to the four cable holes 342, 344, 346, 348 via
mounts.
Although four cable holes are shown in Figure 8, the present disclosure is not
limited to
any particular number of cable holes or corresponding cable mount systems. The
mounted cables may be gathered into a single bundle and fed through conduit
360 for
connection to a power/control system within support column 510 (Figure 10).
[0081] Reference is now made to Figure 10, which depicts a wireless access
point
assembly 500 according the present disclosure. Cables mounted to the cable
holes 342,
344, 346, 348 (Figure 8) run through conduit 360 for connection to a power and
control
center housed within support column 510. Support column 510 may resemble a
lamp post
or other street fixture that may blend into a cityscape. As such, the wireless
access point
assembly 500 of the present disclosure may be used in connection with smart
cities,
stadiums, aviation centers, and other highly populated centers where public Wi-
Fi
connectivity is desired.
[0082] With further reference to the previously-described figures, an
implementation
of a method of configuring a wireless access point according to the present
disclosure
may comprise: mounting a first set of antennas operating at a first wireless
radio band in
a first layer around a support structure; and mounting a second set of
antennas operating
at a second wireless radio band in a second layer around the support
structure, wherein
the first layer and the second layer form a stacked configuration. The method
may further
comprise dividing at least one of said first layer and second layer into
sectors, wherein if
said first layer is divided into sectors, each antenna of said first set of
antennas is
assigned to a different sector; and wherein if said second layer is divided
into sectors,
each antenna of said second set of antennas is assigned to a different sector.
Incorporating by reference the foregoing paragraphs of the disclosure, the
method may
further comprise any or all of the steps described above with the respect to
the wireless
access point 100.
[0083] Figure 11 depicts an embodiment of the present invention showing a
housing
600 that includes a top member 600 including a collar 640 with one or more
housing
fasteners 641, and a connection flange 625 with one or more fasteners 626
engaging with
a flange support member 627 that is mechanically coupled to the bottom member
610.
The bottom member 610, as also shown in Figures 12, 16, 17, 18, and 19, is
configured
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to at least partially cover antenna elements disposed within the
communications module
700, and as such, may act as a radome to provide mechanical and environmental
protection for such antenna elements. Further, the bottom member 610 may
comprise
any suitable dielectric-controlled material such as KYDEX to reduce
attenuation of RF
signals transmitted from or received by such antenna elements. Radome material
may
be integrated into the bottom member 610 through molding, stretching a
flexible sheet
above a frame, or any other desired approach, and may be designed as an
electrically
thin dielectric layer, a half-wave thick radome, a foam-core laminate, a C-
Sandwich
laminate, or any other configuration designed to minimize attenuation and
optimize
performance of the installed antennae elements. Housing fastener 641 secures
the
housing 600 through collar 640 to an external fixture, which may include but
is not limited
to a light pole, a conduit, a factory equipment interface, a network
controller, a fixture on
a farm equipment, a building fixture interface, a buoy interface, a ship or
aircraft interface,
a vehicle interface, and the like. Fastener 641 may comprise any desired type
of fastener
such as a set screw, a bolt, a machine screw, a rivet, or a pin for engaging
in a bayonet-
type interface, wherein the collar is on the inside of a larger fixture collar
with keyed slots
therein). Likewise, fastener 626 may comprise any desired type of fastener
such as a set
screw, a bolt, a machine screw, a rivet, or a pin for engaging in a bayonet-
type interface.
In one embodiment, not illustrated, the fasteners 626 engage within keyhole-
type
openings within the flange support member 626 so that the bottom member 610
may be
rotated with respect to the top member 620, aligning clearing openings in the
flange
support member 627 with fasteners 626, and as such, the bottom member 610 may
be
removed by moving the bottom member 610 away from the top member 620 after
rotation.
When the housing 600 is installed in its intended application, the collar 640
may be
disposed substantially inside of an external fixture, or may surround and
enclose part of
the external fixture.
[0084] Figure 12 shows a cutaway view of a communications module 700,
showing
an opening in the housing 600, an electronics section 710, and an
environmental
component interface section 712. In various embodiments, a horizontal
partition 740
divides the housing 600 into an electronics section 710 and an environmental
component
interface section 712, and may provide mechanical support for electronics
components
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situated within the electronics section 710 of the housing 600. A flange
support member
627 is shown as mechanically coupled to the bottom member 610. In various
embodiments, the partition 740 may comprise a ground plane providing
electrical and RF
shielding between the electronics section 710 and the environmental component
interface
section 712. Although illustrated with the electronics section 700 disposed in
a top portion
of the module 700 and the environmental component interface 712 disposed in a
bottom
portion of the module 700, those of skill in the art appreciate alternative
arrangements of
the electronics section 710 and the environmental component interface 712 are
possible,
including, if desired, co-locating electronics components with various
components of the
environmental component interface section 712.
[0085] Figure 13 illustrates a top perspective view of the communications
module
700, with the top member 620 in semi-transparent rendering to illustrate one
embodiment
of an electronics section 710 of the communications module 700. Further,
Figure 14
shows a similar top perspective view 1400 of a portion of communications
module 700,
with the top member 620 completely removed. In the illustrated embodiments, on
the
partition 740, an intermediary board or central controller 810 is disposed,
which may
comprise a number of components and configurations as illustrated in regards
to element
201 in Figure 5, and is further shown with one or more removable module(s) 820
installed
in a bus interface placing the module in electrical communication with the
central
controller 810, one or more bus interface connectors such as PCI-E connectors
821,
shielding/supports 831, power connector 862, and power supply/regulator 835.
One or
more modules 820 may vary in size, and the shielding/supports 831 may
accommodate
various sizes of modules such as the longer module 820a in comparison to
shorter
modules 820; further, the shielding/supports 831 may provide mechanical
support for the
modules 820 and offer registration slots or pins to ensure proper insertion of
modules
820, 820A into connectors 821. In Figure 13, the top member 620 is shown as
transparent, and may be implemented with a transparent, semi-transparent, or
opaque
material depending on the intended use of the communications module 700. A
transparent rendering of the collar 640 and flange 625 are included in one
exemplary
arrangement as shown in Figure 13.
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[0086] Figure 15 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the
communications module 700 with the bottom housing removed. The antenna
elements
812, 814, 822, and 824, are respectively disposed in a downward-facing
orientation, as
opposed to the upward-facing orientation shown for antenna elements 112, 114,
116,
122, 124, and 126 as shown in regards to Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 3B; in
embodiment
utilizing the downward-facing orientation, improved RF performance may result
when the
communications module 700 is mounted at a vertical height above the intended
communication targets, such as when being mounted on a pole with persons
carrying
mobile devices disposed at a level below the communications module 700. In
other
embodiments, the antenna elements may be mounted in any desired orientation to
optimize RF performance in the external environment in which the module 700
operates.
Similar to the embodiments described in regards to Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 3B,
antenna
elements 812, 814, 822, and 824 are respectively installed in shielded sectors
813, 815,
823, and 824, and respectively attached to central support structure 830
through
mounting structures 850. Further, antenna elements antenna elements 812, 814,
822,
and 824 are shown electrically coupled to coax bulkhead headers 855 that allow
signals
to pass through the partition 740 to allow electrical coupling to the central
controller 810
and/or modules 820. In one embodiment, wiring from the antenna elements 812,
814,
822, and 824 may comprise coaxial cabling electrically coupling the antenna
elements to
the coax bulkhead headers 855. Correspondingly, (and as shown in Figure 14) on
an
opposite side of the partition 740, the coax bulkhead headers 855 are
electrically coupled
to coaxial cables providing respective electrical connections between the coax
bulkhead
headers 855 and respective modules 820 and/or the central controller 810.
[0087] Similarly as discussed in regards to Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, the
antenna
elements shown in Figure 15 are arranged in two layers, with antenna elements
812, 814,
in respective sectors 813, 815 are disposed within a first layer 875, and the
antenna
elements 822, 824, in respective shielded sectors 823, 825, are disposed
within a second
layer 876. Although the illustrated embodiment shows an arrangement with two
layers
having four sectors/antennas per layer attached to the central support
structure 830, any
number of desired antennas may be assigned to any particular layer, and any
desired
number of layers may be used in the communications module 700. Further
additional
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components may be attached to the central support structure 830, and may
include a
wide variety of devices. For additional reference, Figure 16 illustrates a
side exploded
view of an embodiment of the communications module 700, with reference
numerals
corresponding to elements described in regards to Figures 11-15.
[0088] Figure 17 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the
communications
module 900 of the present invention. Bottom member 610 may include a distal
portion
610a, to which an accessory module 910 may be sealably attached. In one
embodiment,
distal portion 610A includes an opening through which mechanical and
electrical
connections to the accessory module 910 are completed, and such opening may be
optionally mated to the accessory module through a gasket or seal to provide
environmental protection of the interior components. Accessory module 910 may
include
any number of components as desired, such as a fixed camera, a remotely
controllable
camera (such as a remotely rotatable and zoomable camera), one or more laser
transmitters/receivers/transceivers; an infrared module; a smoke detector; a
carbon
dioxide detector; a carbon monoxide detector; an ozone detector; a particulate
detector;
a microphone; a speaker; a laser transmitter / receiver / transceiver; an
optical
communications module; a seismic sensor; a pollution sensing module; a gunshot
detector; a lighting apparatus; a weather sensor; an avalanche detector; a
tornado
warning detector, a wind speed and direction sensor; a traffic sensor; a
wireless charging
transmitter/receiver/transceiver. Although the aforementioned devices are
described as
being included within the accessory module 900, those of skill in the relevant
arts
understand that such components may be disposed anywhere within the
communications
module 900. Cameras disposed within the accessory module 910 may be of the
still frame
capture variety or may be video cameras or may provide either function as
desired. Such
cameras may be equipped, for example, to scan QR codes presented in proximity
to the
communications module, track and remotely transmit images or video data
regarding a
condition in proximity to the communication module, or to obtain image data to
support
human facial recognition or crowd flow information. In instances where cameras
are
situated within the accessory module 910, the outer housing of the accessory
module 910
may be transparent, or at least partially transparent, and may be tinted as
illustrated to at
least partially conceal cameras located within accessory module. Components
within the
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accessory module may be in electrical communication with the central
controller 810,
such as through a wired connection that extends between the components and the
controller 810 through an interior space of the support structure 830, or
around an outside
surface of the support structure 830.
[0089] Figure 18 illustrates a side exploded view of the communications
module 900
that was illustrated in figure 17. Two antenna layers 875, 876 are shown as
situated
between the top member 620 and the bottom member 610, and the accessory module
910 is shown with a support structure extension 830A, which, when installed,
extends
through distal portion 610A of the bottom member 610 to interface with the
support
structure 830. As shown, the support structure extension 830A also includes a
flanged
portion 830 be which is configured to engage within the support structure 830
to allow
registration of the support structure extension 830A with the support
structure 830. In
one embodiment, when accessory module 910 is attached to bottom member 610,
the
bottom member 610 and accessory module 910 may be removed from the
communications module system 900 as a unit. In an alternative embodiment,
communications module 910 is a fixed to the central support 830 through the
support
extension 830B, 830B and is configured to allow the bottom member 610 to be
removed
over the accessory module 910 while the accessory module 910 still remains
attached to
the support structure 830. In such a circumstance, a gasket may be disposed
within the
bottom member 610 to provide for environmental sealing between the bottom
member
610 and accessory module 910 and is configured to allow the bottom member 610
to be
slidably removed over the accessory module 910.
[0090] Figure 19 illustrates a side exploded view of a communications
module 1000
of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, environmental
component
interface section 712 includes four layers of antennas 875, 876, 875A, and
876A. Before
antenna layers are shown disposed around and attached to support structure
830. As can
be appreciated by those of skill in the relevant arts, any number of antenna
layers may
be included within the communications system 1000, and the system may be
configured
as desired for the intended implementation. Furthermore one or more horizontal
RF
shielding plates or ground planes, such as a metallic disc (not shown) may be
interposed
between any of the antenna layers to reduce crosstalk and optimize RF
performance of
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the respective antenna layers. Although antenna layers 875, 876, 875A, and
876A are
shown with fixed directional antenna elements, in alternative embodiments,
each layer
may be locally or remotely tunable by adjusting orientation of the antenna
elements and/or
through electronic beam¨forming approaches, or a combination of both
approaches. In
addition, although antenna layers 875, 876, 875A, and 876A are shown installed
and in
proximity to one another, in one embodiment, as depicted further in regard to
Figure 20,
the layers may be individually removable, improving maintainability and
upgradability by
reducing the need to completely disassemble the communications module 1000. In
one
aspect, individual antenna elements may also be individually interchangeable
through a
socketed connection within the layer; in this embodiment and others, an
antenna layer
may comprise a diversity of antenna elements operating in different frequency
bands as
desired to support the intended operational environment of the communications
module.
In certain embodiments a cylindrical housing extension (not shown) with an
interior
diameter approximating that of the top member 620 and bottom member 610 may be
inserted between the top member 620 and the bottom member 610 to provide
environmental protection for the extended antenna array layers shown in the
environmental component interface section 712. Further, in various
embodiments, the
extension may be an integral part of the top member 620 or the bottom member
610
depending on details of the particular implementation.
[0091] In various embodiments, communications module 1000 may operate
cellular
small cell antennas, radio units, and baseband interfaces to support local
small cell
implementations through the communications module 1000. One or more antennae
may
be integrated within the top member 620 or bottom member 610 of the
communications
module 1000, such as millimeter-wave patch antenna, an array of dual-polarized
antenna
elements, a phased array antenna, and the like. In one alternative embodiment,
the
members 610 and/or 620 may be rotated on the unit about the central support
structure
830 to tune or point integrated antennae in a desired direction to achieve
optimal RF
performance; in one case, in an implementation of a massive MIMO (multiple-
input,
multiple-output) array, an included cellular base station comprising of a
plurality of
antennas may be optimized for bandwidth performance by rotating elements of
the top
member 620 or bottom member 610 with respect to the installed environment.
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[0092]
The bottom member 610 or top member 620 may comprise an additional
antenna elements (such as 610B 620A) mounted within, inside, outside of the
housing.
In certain embodiments, mounting one or more antenna elements within or
outside the
radome may result in improved RF performance, particularly in millimeter-wave
applications such as 5G telephony. Antenna elements 610B, 620A may be
electrically
coupled to the central controller 810 to allow transmission of signals and/or
power to the
antenna elements 610B, 620A.
[0093]
Figures 20 through 24C depict various embodiments for interchangeable
antenna layers. Figure 20 shows a side view of an antenna layer 875, and its
corresponding top profile view depicted as an approximate circle in Figure 21
with a cross-
sectional view of the support structure 830 situated within the antenna layer
875. In one
embodiment, antenna layer 875 may be slid onto the support structure 830 as a
single
unit, and affixed thereto using any desired fastening technique.
In alternative
embodiments, it may be desirable to install an entire antenna layer without
needing to
remove adjacent antenna layers from the support structure 830. In such an
instance,
antenna layers may be configured to have openable portion to allow
installation and
removal from the central support structure 830. Although in figures 20 through
24, and in
other figures described above, the central support structure is approximately
square in
cross-section, any desired shape may be utilized to achieve any desired
purpose, and
circular, elliptical, triangular, polygonal, or any desired cross-section may
be utilized for
the support structure 830, and different cross-sections may be utilized in
concert with
different antenna layers to support dimensional changes antenna elements.
[0094]
In Figures 22A through 22D, top views of antenna layer profile 877 include a
movable portion 879, hingedly connected 878 to a C-Shaped second section 880
of the
antenna layer 877. A fastener such as a locking clamp, not shown, may be used
to secure
the movable portion 879 to the second section 880. The central support
structure 830 is
shown in cross section in the center of the antenna layer 877. Figures 22B and
22C show
the movable section 879 being opened hingedly in an outward direction (after
any
fasteners were released), exposing the central support structure 830 and
creating a void
to allow removal of the antenna layer 877. Figure 22D shows the antenna layer
877 then
being moved 881 to allow removal of the antenna layer 877 from the central
support
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structure 830. Installation of such an antenna layer 877 may be accomplished
in the
reverse order.
[0095] In Figures 23A through 23D, top plan views of antenna layer profile
977
include a movable portion 979, removably connected to a second C-Shaped
section 980
of the antenna layer 977. One or more fasteners such as locking clamps, not
shown, may
be used to secure the movable portion 979 to the second section 980. The
central support
structure 830 is shown in cross section in the center of the antenna layer
977. Figures
23B and 23C show the movable section 979 being removed in an outward direction
(after
any fasteners were released), exposing the central support structure 830 and
creating a
void to allow removal of the antenna layer 977. Figure 23D shows the antenna
layer 977
then being moved 981 to allow removal of the antenna layer 977 from the
central support
structure 830. Installation of such an antenna layer 977 may be accomplished
in the
reverse order.
[0096] In Figures 24A through 24D, top plan views of antenna layer profile
997
include movable sections 999 and 990 of the antenna layer 997. One or more
fasteners
such as locking clamps, not shown, may be used to secure the movable sections
999 and
990 together. The central support structure 830 is shown in cross section in
the center
of the antenna layer 997. Figures 24B and 24C show the sections 999 and 990
being
removed in an outward direction (after any fasteners were released), exposing
the central
support structure 830 and allowing removal of the antenna layer 997 from the
central
support structure 830. Installation of such an antenna layer 997 may be
accomplished in
the reverse order.
[0097] Those of skill in the relevant arts appreciate that various
combinations of
components and configurations described herein comprise additional embodiments
of the
claimed invention. Examples of additional inventive combinations include the
following:
1. A configurable communications module comprising:
a plurality of antenna elements organized into a plurality of layers, each
antenna element independently accessible and interchangeable within the
communications module;
a central support structure providing mechanical support for the plurality of
layers;
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a central controller module in electrical communication with the plurality of
antenna elements; and
wherein
the antenna elements within a layer of the plurality of layers operate within
one assigned frequency band;
each layer of the plurality of layers includes a shielding element to reduce
interference; and
each respective antenna element is respectively accessible for
maintenance and replacement.
2. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 wherein the
communications
module further comprises a housing, wherein at least a portion of the exterior
of the
housing comprises environmentally protected and electrically transmissive
material.
3. The configurable communications module of Claim 2 wherein the
communications
module is partitioned into an electronics section and an environmental
component
interface section.
4. The configurable communications module of Claim 3 wherein:
a partition is disposed between the electronics section and the environmental
component interface section;
the partition is configured to provide RF shielding between the electronics
section
and the environmental component interface section; and
the partition includes electrical headers to allow electrical interconnect
between
modules disposed within the electronics section and components disposed within
the
environmental interface section.
5. The configurable communications module of Claim 2 or Claim 3 or Claim 4
wherein
the housing is removable to access and maintain at least one of the plurality
of
antenna elements and the central controller module.
6. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the
antenna
elements are in electrical communication with the central controller through a
plurality
of cables passing within the central support structure.
7. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 wherein the antenna
elements
in at least one of the layers operate within a 2.4GHz wireless radio band.
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8. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 wherein the antenna
elements
in at least one of the layers operate within a 5 GHz wireless radio band.
9. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 wherein the antenna
elements
in at least one of the layers operate within a cellular telephony band.
10. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 wherein the antenna
elements
in at least one of the layers operate within a 5G cellular telephony band.
11. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 7 or Claim 8 or
Claim
9 or Claim 10 wherein the antenna elements in at least one of the layers are
configured
operate within one of an AMPS, GSM, 3G, 4G, or LTE cellular telephony band.
12. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 11 wherein each
respective layer is configured to be installed on or removed from the central
support
structure as a unit.
13. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 12 wherein each
respective layer may be independently removed from or installed within the
communications module without removing other layers within the communications
module.
14. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 11 wherein a
layer of
antenna elements includes a plurality of directional antenna elements oriented
in
respectively different directions.
15. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 13 wherein each
respective layer comprises a C-Shaped layout with a hinged closure.
16. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 wherein the central
controller
module comprises a plurality of radio modules respectively electrically
connected to
the plurality of antenna elements.
17. The configurable communications module of Claim 16 wherein the radio
modules may
be interchanged without replacing the central controller module.
18. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 16 or Claim 17
further
including an interface from the antenna elements to an external communications
network.
19. The configurable communications module of Claim 18 wherein a connection to
the
external communication network is implemented via one or more of a fiber-based
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connection, a wired connection, and optical connection a cellular backhaul
connection
or a microwave link.
20. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 11, further
comprising
one of a Bluetooth transceiver and an RFID transceiver.
21. The configurable communications module of Claim [010111, further
comprising one or
more of: a fixed camera, a remotely controllable camera, one or more laser
transmitters; one or more laser receivers; one or more laser transceivers; an
infrared
module; a smoke detector; a carbon dioxide detector; a carbon monoxide
detector; an
ozone detector; a particulate detector; a microphone; a speaker; an optical
communications module; a seismic sensor; a pollution sensing module; a gunshot
detector; a lighting apparatus; a weather sensor; an avalanche detector; a
cellular
repeater; a point-of-sale (POS) terminal; a tornado warning detector, a wind
speed
and direction sensor; a traffic sensor;
a wireless charging
transmitter/receiver/transceiver; and a battery.
22. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 11, wherein the
antenna
elements may comprise a plurality of band transmission cores providing
operation
within a plurality of operating frequencies.
23. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 11 or Claim 22,
further
comprising an omnidirectional antenna element.
24. The configurable communications module of Claim 23, wherein the central
controller
module is disposed at a first end of the support structure, and the
omnidirectional
antenna element is disposed at an opposite end of the support structure.
25. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 5 or Claim 11,
wherein
a bottom portion of the support structure further includes a 5G cellular
antenna
element.
26. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 5 or Claim 11,
wherein
the central support structure may be extended by one of: telescoping an
internal
extension element and mechanically mating an extension thereto.
27. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 21, wherein the
module
is configured to operate within one of: an urban environment; a rural
environment; a
building; an airport; a farm; a factory; and a recreation area.
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28. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 21 or Claim 27
or Claim
28, further comprising a solar panel interface.
29. The configurable communications module of Claim 1, wherein the
communications
module is further configured to monitor one or more of a soil composition;
crop health;
animal location; animal health; watering and/or irrigation moisture; oil well
pressure;
oil well flow; stadium human movement and traffic; security conditions using
human
facial recognition; pollution emissions; vehicular traffic flow; a weather
condition in
proximity to the communications module; a safety-related condition; a crime
event; a
fire event; and combinations thereof.
30. The configurable communications module of Claim 29, wherein further
comprising a
radome.
31. The configurable communications module of Claim 30, wherein the radome is
configured to include an electrically thin dielectric layer, a half-wave thick
layer, a
foam-core laminate layer, a C-sandwich laminate layer, or a combination
thereof.
32. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 21, wherein the
communications module is further configured to process one of: point-of-sale
(POS)
transactions; orders for a product or service to be delivered to a person's
assigned
seat; instructions to guide a person to a designated location; a person's
ticket idicia
to grant or deny access to a venue; data obtained from a scan of a QR code
displayed
by a person in proximity to the communications module; interactive advertising
to a
person in proximity to an interactive signage; reservation requests for use of
a facility;
data for use in augmented reality presented on a mobile device; and
combinations
thereof.
33. The configurable communications module of Claim 1 or Claim 11, wherein
each
antenna element may be interchanged through a socketed connection.
34. The configurable communications module of Claim 1, wherein the antenna
elements
within a layer of the plurality of layers operate within a plurality of
assigned frequency
bands.
[0098] It is to be understood the implementations are not limited to
particular systems
or processes described which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood
that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
implementations only,
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and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification, the
singular forms "a", "an"
and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates
otherwise.
[0099] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it
should be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made
herein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by
the appended
claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be
limited to the
particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of
matter,
means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary
skill in the
art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines,
manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later
to be
developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized
according to
the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to
include within
their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,
means,
methods, or steps.
[0100] The particular implementations shown and described above are
illustrative
of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the
scope of
the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity,
conventional data
storage, data transmission, and other functional aspects of the systems may
not be
described in detail. Methods illustrated in the various figures may include
more, fewer,
or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order
without
departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the connecting lines
shown in
the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional
relationships and/or
physical couplings between the various elements. Many alternative or
additional
functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical
system.
[0101] Changes and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments
without departing from the scope of the present invention. These and other
changes or
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present
invention, as
expressed in the following claims.
32
